Science-Backed Tips

Savoring Compliments Enhances Long-Term Mood

Reflecting on compliments boosts felt security by 0.4 units.


📊 Did you know?

Thinking about compliments can improve your mood and sense of security for about two weeks.
Benefits

💡 Why It Matters

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Enhancing felt security can lead to improved mental health outcomes.

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Savoring compliments may reduce anxiety levels, contributing to overall wellbeing.

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Long-term mood benefits can enhance interpersonal relationships and social interactions.

Give it a try

✅ Try These Micro-Tips

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Take 5 minutes daily to reflect on a compliment you’ve received.

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Write down three compliments you appreciate about yourself each week.

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Share a compliment with someone else to reinforce positive feelings.

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Engage in a weekly gratitude practice that includes compliments.

📚 The study

In a fascinating study by Marigold, Holmes, and Ross (2007), researchers explored the profound impact of savoring compliments on our emotional well-being. The objective was straightforward: to assess how reflecting on positive feedback could enhance our sense of security and overall mood. After a two-week follow-up, the results were compelling. Participants who engaged in this practice reported a significant increase in felt security, approximately 0.4 units higher than those in the control group, with a p-value of less than .05, indicating statistical significance.
This finding is crucial because it highlights that taking the time to appreciate and savor compliments can lead to lasting mood benefits. By enhancing our sense of security, we can potentially improve our mental health outcomes, reduce anxiety levels, and foster a greater sense of well-being.
Moreover, these long-term mood enhancements can positively influence our interpersonal relationships and social interactions, making us more connected and engaged with others. In a world where mental health is increasingly important, this study underscores the simple yet powerful act of savoring compliments as a tool for emotional resilience and improved quality of life.
So, the next time someone pays you a compliment, take a moment to truly appreciate it; you might just find that it boosts your mood and sense of security for weeks to come.

Source: Marigold, H. L., Holmes, J. G., & Ross, M. (2007). More than words… (same). Study Link

❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Learn more

How can reflecting on compliments improve my mood?

Reflecting on compliments can enhance your mood by providing durable emotional reassurance. This practice has been shown to increase felt security, leading to long-term mood benefits.

What is meant by ‘felt security’?

Felt security refers to a sense of safety and confidence in oneself and one’s environment. It is an important aspect of mental health that can be positively influenced by savoring compliments.

How long do the benefits of savoring compliments last?

The benefits of savoring compliments can last for about two weeks, as evidenced by a study showing an increase in felt security during this time. This suggests that positive reflections can have a lasting impact on mood.

What is the recommended practice for reflecting on compliments?

It is recommended to take five minutes daily to reflect on a compliment you’ve received. Additionally, writing down three compliments you appreciate about yourself each week can reinforce this practice.

Can savoring compliments help with anxiety?

Yes, savoring compliments may help reduce anxiety levels, contributing to overall well-being. By enhancing felt security, this practice can create a more positive mental state.

How does enhancing felt security impact mental health?

Enhancing felt security can lead to improved mental health outcomes by fostering a greater sense of safety and confidence. This can result in reduced anxiety and better emotional resilience.

What are some ways to incorporate compliments into my routine?

You can incorporate compliments into your routine by sharing a compliment with someone else or engaging in a weekly gratitude practice that includes compliments. These actions can reinforce positive feelings for both you and others.

Is there a specific frequency for reflecting on compliments?

While daily reflection is beneficial, it is also effective to write down three compliments you appreciate about yourself each week. This combination can help maintain a positive mindset over time.

What is the significance of the study’s findings on compliments?

The study’s findings highlight that savoring compliments can yield lasting mood benefits and enhance interpersonal relationships. This underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating positive feedback in our lives.

How can I measure the impact of reflecting on compliments?

You can measure the impact by noting changes in your mood and felt security over time after practicing reflection on compliments. Keeping a journal can help track these changes and reinforce the benefits.

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